Lanzarote

A lot of people mistakenly think Lanzarote might be a little backward when it comes to technology.

But the truth is we’re pretty well sorted! Almost all areas of the island now have access to broadband, and even in the rural north it runs at 6MB, which is fine for streaming television! We also enjoy cellphone coverage all over the island, as well as a pretty robust 3g network.

The Cabildo of Lanzarote have drawn up a strategic plan to attract the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) groups to the island.

Director of the Tourist Board, Héctor Fernández considers that it is vital that Lanzarote is developed to be a “Gay Friendly” place. The tourist board want to open the island up to the gay market as they believe  these visitors have a higher purchasing power but  also they will respect our sensitive environment.

It is recognised that currently Lanzarote has very little space dedicated exclusively to gays, although there are many local gay friendly businesses.

A new agreement was signed with Tom On Tour at the ITB Berlin travel show recently. Tom On Tour are tour operators who specialise in the gay holiday market, they will be promoting Lanzarote as a gay destination. They will be sending over a journalist during the month of May to write a special feature on the island aimed at the homosexual market.

Reader Allan Lamb very kindly replied to my request for suggestions of good places to go while on the island. Here’s what he had to say about Charco del Palo, which is on the coast near Mala in the north of the island:

I would suggest going to the naturist village / sand dunes of Charco del Palo / Mala.

Because we have no natural water on the island, everyone thinks of  Lanzarote as  a barren, volcanic desert. But at this time of year, parts of the island are actually festooned in wild flowers, which come up for a few months each year.

You’ll see the best of them on high ground, where they can get some moisture from condensation during the cool nights. So visit La Candelaria above Tias, or the hills over Haria, and prepare to be amazed as you see what looks like meadows of wild grasses and flowers!

Here’s a short video showing some on a walk going up the hill from Haria:

Eugene contacted us recently to say what a fabulous holiday he and boyfriend Karl had during their visit to Lanzarote in February 2010.

They stayed in the resort of Puerto del Carmen, I asked him what he liked about the island, this is what he said……..

“Loved El Golfo for the romance

Puerto Calero Marina was cool with all the posh boats, we felt like millionaires for the day eating ice cream gazing out at the yachts

We liked the quieter beach to the left of the main strip in Puerto del Carmen, it’s not so commercial

As to the Gay scene, he laughs, well it’s awful – the bars and clubs are all about money with no identity!”

Lanzarote was Karl’s first trip abroad , they said they met some amazing people and had a fabulous time. Eugene is returning to Lanzarote this week and would like to meet people as he’s on his own this trip. You can connect with him on his Facebook page.

I love Christmas in Lanzarote. It somehow retains a naiveté that Northern Europe has lost. From the fact that Christmas doesn’t really “start” here until a week or so before the great day, to the general lack of commercialisation, it all feels the way I imagine it did in 50’s Britain.

I adore the little Belen nativity displays that every village produces at this time of year. Some are incredibly elaborate, with working water mills, lights that work, and the odd little joke like the bare bum man who can always be found on Haria’s display.

Locals enjoy their main meal of the celebration on Christmas Eve, where families get together and many then attend midnight mass. Christmas day itself is pretty quiet here and is treated as a day of rest.

Charco del Palo isn’t easy to find. As you drive through Mala, towards Arrieta, look for the Restaurante Don Quixote on your right. Turn right and follow the road all the way down to the coast, and you’ll find Lanzarote’s famed naturist village.

John Hein aka Scotsbear who is editor and publisher of ScotsGay Magazine contacted us recently about his trip to Lanzarote for the Lanzarote Pride 2010 event. You can download a copy of the magazine with coverage from the Lanzarote Pride here ScotsGay Magazine Issue 104.

John took some great photos during his visit, there’s a gallery of 253 images which you can view here ScotsGay Photo Gallery - Lanzarote Pride 2010

John’s busy on his next assignment but is planning to write an article for us about his first visit to Lanzarote soon.

Having lived in Lanzarote for over 7 years, I currently have a fantastic job at Active Adventures.

Active Adventures specialise in scuba diving and water sports activity holidays, for beginners to experts. Our holidays are designed to leave you sun-kissed and motivated. Focusing on centres that are SOCIAL and INSPIRING.

 
With handpicked teams to get the best of each location, and a service we would recommend to our own families, I thought it was definitely something I should bring to the attention of members of Gay Lanza. Whether it would be something you are looking to do in Lanzarote, or you’re a resident looking to go somewhere different, we can tailor the perfect package for you.

Lanzarote has a relaxed, tranquil ambience and is the perfect place to recharge those batteries. A great place to do a mix of adventure activities and water sports, travelling solo, with friends or family.

Feel free to contact us for more information:-

paul@activeadventures.co.uk

Paul has lived in Costa Teguise for several years and offered his insight on where to go in that Lanzarote resort.

Where’s good for entertainment?

Lively Lady’s Showbar in C.C. Nautical opposite Pueblo Marinero for a drag show and a great night out.

Which bar would you suggest?

Jesters Bar just off Pueblo Marinero, they have a mixture of English and Spanish clients attracting both locals and tourists and very gay friendly.

Which is your favourite local beach?

There aren’t any designated gay or nudist beaches in this resort, I would head to Playa Jablillo for the best snorkelling or Playa Las Cucharas for the best beach.

Where do you like to eat out?

Kerman and Repikada situated on either side of Avda Islas Canarias offer a fantastic selection of tapas from the Basque country or try the new La Fuente in C.C. Los Charcos.